One of the least expensive and creative ways to help furnish a room is by upcycling pieces in need of a little TLC. Scout thrift stores, flea markets, garage sales and Craigslist for tables, chairs, dressers and bed frames to resuscitate with paint. There are several paints on the market designed just for this purpose, and paint specifically formulated to make the job as simple as possible — sometimes with little to no sanding required.
Before we move on to the inspiration, here’s a quick rundown of the various paints available for your next project.
Latex paint: If you’re looking for a smooth, durable finish similar to what might be found on a factory-finished piece, latex paint is a good option. Consider Sherwin-Williams Pro Classic, a paint for furniture and cabinets with characteristics similar to oil paint but without the mess and difficult application. A coat of primer is suggested prior to painting for maximum adhesion. Latex paint comes in a variety of sheens, each providing a distinct look — flat, eggshell, satin, semigloss or high-gloss — so choose accordingly.
Chalk paint: Annie Sloan chalk paint is a popular line that requires no primer and little to no sanding before painting, depending on the condition of the surface. The finish you’ll achieve with this paint is consistent, with less flaking and chipping than milk paint. Wax can be applied as an alternative to sealer, in clear or antique, depending on the look desired.
Milk paint: This paint comes as a powder to be mixed with water, providing a whitewashed or distressed look, and some people are mixing it themselves with ingredients found at the hardware store. Search online for “milk paint recipe” to try mixing up a batch, or look for the beautiful range of colors available through several vendors. Milk paint has been described as stain-like in consistency, though it can be thicker depending on how much water is added. It leaves a chippy or flaking surface, particularly when applied on previously finished pieces. Waxes and water-based sealers can be applied after painting.
Mud paint: This option is relatively new among furniture paints and is best for antiquing and distressing, offering a flat, smooth finish with great coverage and adhesion that typically doesn’t require a primer. Premixed, it tends to be creamier than milk paint, providing opaque coverage. To enhance the final look, use a furniture wax. A final clear-coat sealer isn’t necessary, but if additional protection is desired, choose a water-based polycrylic one.
Lacquer or oil-based paint: The old-school option is oil paint, which provides an amazingly professional finish when the surface is properly prepped and sprayed. But this is not a DIY-friendly job as it involves long drying times and a strong odor that lingers for days. This option is best when painting expensive kitchen cabinetry or built-ins where a high-end look is desired.
Tip: Be careful of older furniture that has previously been painted, since the paint may contain lead. To determine if lead is present, rub a swab from a 3M LeadCheck Instant Lead Test over the surface. The swabs are available at home improvement stores.
A single paint color is often the perfect DIY solution, but here a range of pale blues on the drawer fronts of a dresser create a whimsical ombre effect.
Tip: Make sure the piece of furniture is worth your effort. Look for a solidly built piece that doesn’t sway when pressure is applied to the top surface. Ideally it should be constructed of solid wood, but if veneers are present, make sure they’re in excellent condition with no splits or warping.
Chippy surfaces are one look, but latex paint provides a finish that, done right, can mirror the look of factory-finished pieces. The cheerful coral seen here is Sherwin-Williams Rejuvenate.
If bright hues aren’t your thing, white is always a smart bet for giving old furniture a fresh look.
White is always crisp, regardless of the finish chosen. This armoire would look great, yet quite different, painted in a variety of finishes, from a matte chalky surface to a high sheen.
DIY projects don’t need to look homespun. Case in point: The high-gloss navy paint on this dresser-turned-nightstand adds a sophisticated sheen.
As for color selection, navy is always a classic choice, from the glossy finish in the previous photo to this equally chic matte option.
One hue not enough for your taste? Consider a multicolored approach. Here an antique cabinet is highlighted in bold orange with white on the remaining surfaces, bringing worn character to an Alabama lake cottage guestroom. And look closely: This paint job is far from precise, and that’s part of its success! So take the pressure off and simply enjoy being creative.
A similar two-tone effect was achieved with Annie Sloan chalk paint on this dresser, featuring Antique White and Lewis Blue with a waxed finish.
When it comes to upcycling furniture, the options are limited only by your imagination. This flea market find got some extra embellishment with a motif stenciled on after the piece was painted, with an application of antique wax the final step. The finished product helped transform a guest bedroom on a small budget.
So how about it? Get thrifting, find inspiration and just have fun transforming an old piece or two with paint in a color you love.
More: What to Know About Milk Paint and Chalk Paint — and How to Use Them
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